By a wide margin, pharmaceutical companies dominate the life science cloud computing space in terms of use, in part because of their large-scale digital transformation, highly complex global research pipelines, and need for connected cloud systems across R&D, clinical, manufacturing, and commercial. The entry of many of these companies into digital platforms is aided by the adoption of AI-ready platforms at a rapid rate and the need to digitally modernize due to increased compliance pressures.
Contract research organizations (CROs) adopt cloud technology slightly faster than their pharma counterparts, as they tend to manage an increasing number of outsourced trials and multi-sponsor projects, as well as industry trials with decentralized models. Cloud technology helps CROs operationalize data management, accelerate data analytics, and improve integrated reporting across a greater number of countries and clinical studies, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and partnerships with sponsors.
Similarly, biotechnology companies are further cementing their dependence on cloud technology as they support data-intensive pipelines in evolving areas, such as genomics and biologics, and in early exploratory discovery programs. They use cloud technology for scalable compute, collaborative research opportunities with their investigative teams, and secure data flows to enable innovative development in ways only decentralized cloud technology would allow, thereby providing options for agility as a major competitor for survival in a science and research scenario.